Working in a genre self-described as "aquavibe", 24 year-old Lance Sampson displays a preternatural gift for individuation and inspiration. Having spent time in and out of prison from ages 15 to 21, Sampson learned how to play guitar while incarcerated and used music as a means for spiritual focus. After a smattering of Soundcloud singles, including the effortless vibe-inducing "1 Spring Garden", Sampson dropped his first collection of songs in the form of an EP entitled "Water Temple", in late March. Touching on nu-blues, R&B, and spacious neo-soul, his distinctive, captivating persona is felt throughout the record. Critical acclaim for Sampson has recently materialized in him winning the 2018 CBC Music Searchlight Competition.

"There’s more than a little David Bowie in both the sonic and fashion leanings of Art d’Ecco a performer who fluidly crosses musical and gender lines creating highly memorable tracks — and sporting an unforgettable look.

Astral Swans is the main project of acclaimed Canadian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Swann. His newest release STRANGE PRISON is an experimental folk record combining pristine production with Swann’s abstract narratives of lonerism, human frailty, and dread, all told with darkly comedic empathy and helpless concern.

BLAKDENIM is a vanguard live hip-hop act that infuses hip-hop, funk, rock and soul with lyrical content that ranges from the serious to the absurd, the tone from sweet to heavy, all connected by head-nodding melodies. For fans of The Roots, Rage Against the machine or even Earth Wind and Fire, there will be something for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Blaze Velluto is navy and burgundy, the yin and yang with a velvet lining. —Pine is my favorite tree. — Writing songs since the age of 13, Blaze has played with multiple bands including Erotique PQ, Call me Poupée, Silk Arrows, Ponctuation and Paul Michelo. —I don't have a favourite fruit, as long as they are ripe. — Angels being the most inspirational subject, Blaze has also been known to write about dogs. —Dogs are my favourite animal.

Bonnie Trash is the dark art-punk outfit led by twin sisters Sarafina Troy and Emmalia Vash Bortolon-Vettor. Their debut EP, Ezzelini’s Dead, dives into the Italian folklore surrounding Ezzelino da Romano III, a medieval tyrant who ate his enemies and peasants. A menacing voice tells the a story of post-modern cannibalism, heightened by location sounds and bowed guitar. The lust to consume is at an all-time high. We must consume ourselves in order to transform.

Born Ruffians released their fifth studio album 'Uncle, Duke & The Chief' in February 2018. Produced by Richard Swift (The Shins, Foxygen, Nathaniel Rateliff), the album represents a new era for the band, re-inventing their signature indie rock sound and moving in an evermore authentic and confident direction.

discover born ruffians

Born Ruffians are based out of Midland, Ontario.

They've been together since 2004, thats 14 years!

Their latest album release sold-out five shows in a row at Lee’s Palace in Toronto.

Cadence Weapon is Edmonton-born, Toronto-based rapper and producer Rollie Pemberton. His groundbreaking albums Breaking Kayfabe and Hope In Dirt City were both shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Pemberton served as Poet Laureate of Edmonton from 2009 to 2011. His new self-titled album explores themes of individuality, race and technology.

discover cadence weapon

Cadence Weapon was the Poet Laureate of Edmonton, Alberta for two years.

Carrie Fussell is a singer songwriter and performance artist who fronts the band Calliope Musicals. The band exudes feel-good vibes that aim to swallow listeners and spit them out as happier versions of their former selves.

Carinae is a six piece psychedelic rock band from Western Massachusetts. The sound is comprised of patchwork guitars keyboards synths three part harmonies all rooted in driving rhythms. If you didn’t catch them at Folly Fest, Flourish Festival or Quality Block Party you won’t want to miss them at HPX

Cartel Madras is radical hip hop disrupting an industry and destroying old narratives about identity, race, and sexuality with provocative new stories that slap harder. Contra and Eboshi are female rappers hailing from South India that have proven that they deserve their spot in Calgary’s evolving hip hop scene. In their summer 2018 mixtape, Project Goonda Part 1: Trapistan, their sound fuses the stylings of trap, the Dirty South, and house. With amped up performances and an irreplaceable energy, Cartel Madras put on an unforgettable show and throw a party that can’t be missed. Goonda Rap has arrived.

Chudi Harris is a young artist, multi-instrumentalist (guitar, piano, bass) and producer from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 25-year-old takes responsibility for writing and producing his original material. He describes his style as Contemporary Blues, Alternative and R&B, taking notes from Childish Gambino, John Legend, Kid Cudi, Passion Pit and Patrick Stump. He photographs all of his album art.

Since its inception, Chunder Buffet has created a goth infused, post punk slimefest. Exploring anxiety disorder, sexual assault, and dissatisfaction through minor chords and vocals that vary from shrill sarcasm to powerful screams Chunder celebrates the discomfort and exhilaration that comes from being alive.

Fronting Austin’s Harvest Thieves for the last five years, Cory Reinisch has been a fixture on the local music scene. Their sound reflects what can happen when a bunch of small-town Texas country folks immerse themselves in Austin’s vibrant indie music scene.

Fuzzed out pop-punk from Halifax, NS. Filled with driving drums, catchy, melodic, pedal-drenched guitar, and relatable, infectious lyrics that will have you singing along to every word, nodding in agreement.